Thriving In Babylon By Larry OsborneSýnishorn

Submitting to Authority

Daniel’s humble respect was tied to his firm belief that God is in control of who is in control. It wasn’t merely a theological axiom. It was a reality he lived by.

He saw Nebuchadnezzar as God’s servant, a wicked king allowed to reign for a period of time in order to fulfill God’s sovereign purpose—in this case, the discipline and judgment of Jerusalem for the sins of its people.

Daniel wasn’t respectful because Nebuchadnezzar deserved it.

He was respectful because God commanded it.

Unfortunately, Daniel’s outlook and actions are incredibly rare today.

I’ve heard every possible excuse as to why Daniel’s and Joseph’s responses to godless masters and leaders won’t work today.

None of them hold water.

No matter how bad things get, the path of humble service and respect toward those God has placed in temporary authority has always been the path God calls us to take.

Consider the words of Jeremiah, a contemporary of Daniel. He told the Israelites who were reluctant to serve the king of Babylon that they were wrong. God wanted them to humbly submit during his short season of power and authority.

It’s also important to realize that the path of humility doesn’t always pay off immediately. In fact, it seldom pays off immediately—or even quickly.

Daniel did the right thing despite being kidnapped, castrated, forced to study the occult, having his name changed to honor a demon, and then thrust into the service of a wicked king. I’m pretty sure he had no idea how things would turn out. If you had told him, he wouldn’t have believed you.

He didn’t humbly serve his Babylonian captors because he expected a quick reward. He did it because it was the right thing to do.

It’s the same for us today.

The path of humble respect and service seldom pays off immediately.

It’s not something we do for short-term gain.

It’s something we do because God says to do it—whether it works out or not.

*How do you respond to godless leaders? Is it with Daniel-like honor and respect, or rather a great deal of ridicule, contempt, bitterness, and even hatred?